He is being held at a police station in the Avon and Somerset force area and will be interviewed in connection with her murder and the disposal of her body.

The man, who is from Bath, was arrested after going voluntarily to the police station in Manvers Street.

Det Supt Mike Courtiour, leading the murder inquiry, said in a statement: “This is obviously a significant development after 14 years but I must stress that our investigation is still very much ongoing.”

“Melanie’s parents, Pat and Steve Hall, are always kept informed and are aware that we have made an arrest.”

“This is part of the investigation that has been going on now for eight months since Melanie’s body was discovered.”

“In that time the investigation team has continued to work tirelessly, following up new information we have received and revisiting the previous investigations that followed Melanie’s disappearance from Walcot Street in June 1996.”

“An additional 250 statements have been taken and 1200 new tasks and investigative actions have been completed. Today’s arrest was one such action.”

“I once again urge anyone with information to come forward and provide us with the information and evidence we need to identify Melanie’s killer or killers and bring them to justice.”